Content
It is easy to grow maple trees both on the plot and at home. The plant can be found in different parts of the world - in North and South America, China, Japan, the Caucasus, Europe, Russia. So it's no wonder why people have questions about breeding. Before getting started with the technology, it is useful to look at some agrotechnical aspects.
Is it possible to plant maple on a plot near the house?
Maple is a genus with hundreds of species. Among them there are dwarf and tall varieties. The largest representatives are the Far Eastern and Norway maples; you won’t be able to plant them at home, but it’s quite possible to plant them on your property.
In Japan, maple leaves are eaten - they are prepared in salt barrels and then covered with sweet dough.
It is better to grow Bearded or Three-flowered maple indoors. The plant is cultivated throughout Russia without any problems, regardless of the region.
How to plant maple on the site
Before planting, it is important to choose a place where the maple will grow. At the same time, the nature of the soil is determined - the plant cannot be on waterlogged soil.Then they begin to process the area and planting material.
Selecting a location
It will not be possible to grow a strong and beautiful maple if the soil is poor, too wet or dry. The optimal planting area will be an area open to the sun. In the early stages, maple seedlings can be grown in light shade. However, in the future the crop will need to be replanted.
Shade tolerance may vary, so you should rely on species characteristics. Many varieties prefer bright or diffuse lighting. They grow slowly in shade and often freeze over.
Soil preparation
Maple develops quickly. Its annual growth is about 55 cm. Even dwarf varieties grow well. This largely depends on the nature of the soil. Gardeners recommend using fertile, loose areas. It will be more difficult to grow crops in dense soil, since you will have to dig it up regularly.
Garden soil is saturated with sand, humus and peat. Substances are used in moderation, since excess nutrients can also be harmful. If groundwater runs high, you need to take care of the drainage system. It is made of crushed stone, brick or sand. Minimum layer – 15 cm.
The tree can reach 25-30 m in height
Although you don’t have to pay much attention to the reaction of the soil, you should not plant maple seeds in calcareous soil. The culture prefers an acidic or neutral environment. Before purchasing a variety, it is better to inquire about its description.
However, additional treatment of the area with fertilizers will not be superfluous. To do this, use peat and leaf soil in equal concentrations, as well as half a measure of sand.
Maple planting scheme
Planting is carried out 20-25 days before purchasing the material. The agricultural technology for growing maple is as follows:
- Dig a hole 65-75 cm deep. The dug soil is mixed with a nutrient mixture - turf, peat, sand. This is especially true when planting in clay soil.
A drainage system is built in flooded areas
- Complex mineral additives are placed at the bottom and partially filled with excavated soil. The roots of the seedling are freed from the pot and deepened into the ground. In this case, the root collar should be 5 cm above the surface.
Growing maple from deformed shoots is a bad idea; only healthy samples are used
- The roots are straightened and covered with soil mixture, trampled underfoot. When the soil settles, the neck will drop to ground level. Then the maple is tied to a peg.
The material must be planted immediately after collection.
To grow a strong maple, water monthly. 10 liters of liquid is enough for saturation. In the summer season, moisturize once a week.
How to plant maple seeds at home
Maple can be propagated using seeds, cuttings or grafting. Which method is suitable for a particular variety, you need to look at the description. At home, maple is grown using seeds. The material produces strong trees, but the owner will have to wait several years until it turns into a luxurious maple.
Preparation of planting material
Seeds are collected in late summer or early autumn. Fallen grains are of interest because they are mature. They are easy to find among the foliage, and during windy conditions you can even catch them with your hands.The seeds are the so-called helicopters. They contain large embryos.
You can grow maple in spring or autumn. In the first case, the raw materials are harvested from September, placed in the refrigerator for storage. It is placed in a container with wet sand.
Immediately before planting, the material is soaked in a solution of low concentration hydrogen peroxide. The duration of the procedure depends on the hardness of the sample, usually it takes 1-2 days.
Grains prepared in this way will grow in 20-25 days
Landing technology
When planting maple seeds, the already harvested grains are planted in furrows (2 cm). The wings should point up. If the owner does not plan to replant the plants in the next few years, maintain a distance of 1.5 m between them. That is, when planting in groups, choose a large container.
If there is no container suitable for the size, a simple bucket will do for temporary planting.
The grains need to be watered. At an early stage, maple requires regular moisture. The soil should always be wet. With this cultivation, seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks. It should be understood that at first the tree grows slowly - by autumn the shoot will reach about 30 cm. There is no need to “push” the crop to accelerate development; this should happen naturally.
Maple care
The tree is unpretentious. But certain varieties - especially decorative ones - require care and attention; growing maple requires some attention.
The crop can withstand prolonged drought, but this is reflected in the richness of its leaves. If the seedling is standing outside, it is additionally irrigated in the summer. In the hot season, one tree requires up to 3 liters of water. In autumn and spring, watering is reduced.
To grow a powerful seedling, weeds are removed as they are identified. At the same time, the area is loosened. Fertilizers are applied no earlier than next year. Urea, superphosphate and potassium salt are suitable as fertilizers. They are used during the growing season to grow strong branches. In summer, complex additives are used, for example, Kemira-universal, intended for perennial trees.
It is impossible to grow a beautiful maple tree without regular pruning. Every autumn, dry shoots are removed, and frostbitten shoots are cut off in the spring. To prepare the plant for cold weather, annual branches are cut off. This is useful for perennial branches, as the nutrients will help them grow stronger. On the other hand, young shoots will have time to recover quickly.
The tree is a symbol of the Canadian flag, it means the “unity” of peoples
The crop does not survive the first winter well. It must be covered with agrofibre or coniferous vegetation. In subsequent years, the plant will not need shelter.
Conclusion
Growing maple is easier than it seems at first glance. This is possible both near the house and in an open area. The tree becomes very beautiful in the autumn season, when the crown turns bright yellow. In order to grow the seedling strong and healthy, maintain the watering norm and carry out sanitary pruning. Be sure to fertilize the soil. When pests are detected, the maple is sprayed with insecticides.
